New Year reflections and cheer

I begin 2026 with a refrigerator full of apples, and a number of half-finished blog posts and ideas from 2025. Several things, including some delightful travel, kept me away from this blog this fall. ¶  Photo: 

A Bramley's Seedling takes in the view from the walls of Edinburgh Castle.

I intend to polish and publish those, but they will appear months out of season. Better late than never!

My travels, and the generosity of readers, brought me nine varieties I'd never tried before. 

I also found better samples of Redfree and the iconic Bramley's Seedling this year. These have new reviews.

Ashmead's Kernel has a new controversy—or perhaps confusion.

It's probably obvious that the longer I do this, the harder it is to grow the catalog—to find previously untasted apples. That catalog now stands at 407 (including some sports).

I toast the new year, and you, my readers, with a Suncrisp apple. These are good in October but get even better over time. I like to think this blog is the same way.

Best wishes for 2026!

Suncrisp